Unions 'on same side as Labour'

Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman will tell union bosses at the TUC conference that they are "on the same side". She will urge them to back plans to reform unions' links with the party, saying the changes "strengthen and deepen" relations.

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Speaking ahead of her appearance at the TUC conference, Deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman said at a local level the relationship between the party and the trade unions is "in practice, not working at all".

Deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman. Credit: ITV News

She added there is not much connection between the party and members at this level and "that is what Ed Miliband wants to change".

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Shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna has rejected suggestions a cut in union funding would mean financial meltdown for Labour.

Speaking to the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, he said: "For us as parties, we've fundamentally got to change the way we operate if we are to make our parties relevant in the 21st century.

Shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna. Credit: Press Association

"Part of that involves making sure we've got a better connection with our communities and our people. I think the trade union link gives us a huge head-start over other parties in that respect, because it gives us a direct link to three million working people.

"What we are seeking to do is to ensure that we've got a better link to individual members."

Mr Umunna added: "Undoubtedly, we are going to take a hit in terms of our finances, but that doesn't mean that it isn't the right thing to do."